By Graeme Bailey Last updated: 19th August 2007
Skysports.com understands that Afonso Alves is being lined up for a move to Middlesbrough to replace Yakubu Aiyegbeni.
We have also learnt that Everton have opened talks with Boro - but as yet no terms have been agreed - as Boro are looking to recoup £12million for the Nigerian.
It is believed Everton have offered £10million with an option of another £1million, but as yet Boro are not willing to accept, although it is thought a deal could be reached.
Whilst talks continue over Yakubu - Boro are pushing ahead with an interest in Alves.
The Brazilian striker has emerged as one of the most highly-rated forwards in Europe, having found some real form with Heerenveen, bagging 34 goals in 31 games.
Leading Turkish and German clubs have shown an interest, but Boro are now looking favourites.
It is understood that Yakubu is hopeful of sealing his move to Goodison Park as soon as possible and there is confidence on Merseyside that he will be paraded as their new record signing next week.

Latest Sky Sports News Report
Hull 2-1 Stoke - Horton
Hull 2-1 Stoke - Pulis
Hull 2-1 Stoke - Bullard
Tottenham v Sunderland - 2nd Half
Blackburn v Portsmouth - 1st Half
Man City v Burnley - 1st Half
Blackburn v Portsmouth - 2nd Half
| Time | Fixture |
|---|---|
| Sunday 8th November | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 13:30 | Hull vs Stoke |
| 15:00 | West Ham vs Everton |
| 15:00 | Wigan vs Fulham |
| 16:00 | Chelsea vs Man Utd |
| Monday 9th November | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 20:00 | Liverpool vs Birmingham |
| Saturday 21st November | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 12:45 | Liverpool vs Man City |
| 15:00 | Birmingham vs Fulham |
| 15:00 | Burnley vs Aston Villa |
| 15:00 | Chelsea vs Wolverhampton |
| 15:00 | Hull vs West Ham |
| 15:00 | Sunderland vs Arsenal |
| 17:30 | Man Utd vs Everton |
| Sunday 22nd November | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 13:30 | Bolton vs Blackburn |
| 15:00 | Tottenham vs Wigan |
| 16:00 | Stoke vs Portsmouth |
| Wednesday 25th November | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 19:45 | Hull vs Everton |
| 20:00 | Fulham vs Blackburn |
| Saturday 28th November | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 15:00 | Blackburn vs Stoke |
| 15:00 | Fulham vs Bolton |
| 15:00 | Man City vs Hull |
| Time | Result |
|---|---|
| Saturday 7th November | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Wolverhampton 1 - 4 Arsenal | |
| Man City 3 - 3 Burnley | |
| Tottenham 2 - 0 Sunderland | |
| Blackburn 3 - 1 Portsmouth | |
| Aston Villa 5 - 1 Bolton | |
| Wednesday 4th November | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| West Ham 2 - 1 Aston Villa | |
| Sunday 1st November | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Birmingham 0 - 0 Man City | |
| Saturday 31st October | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Man Utd 2 - 0 Blackburn | |
| Sunderland 2 - 2 West Ham | |
| Portsmouth 4 - 0 Wigan | |
| Bolton 0 - 4 Chelsea | |
| Stoke 2 - 2 Wolverhampton | |
| Fulham 3 - 1 Liverpool | |
| Burnley 2 - 0 Hull | |
| Everton 1 - 1 Aston Villa | |
| Arsenal 3 - 0 Tottenham | |
| Sunday 25th October | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| West Ham 2 - 2 Arsenal | |
| Man City 2 - 2 Fulham | |
| Liverpool 2 - 0 Man Utd | |
| Bolton 3 - 2 Everton | |
Join skysports.com football editor Mark Buckingham from 6pm to debate the outcome of Chelsea v Man Utd.
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Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay has confirmed talks have started to reward Joe Cole with a new contract.
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Walsall are trying to extend the loan of Man City defender Clayton McDonald for a third and final month.